SUBWAY PERVERT FABRIZIO LA BARBERA JAILED FOR TERRORISING WOMEN IN HALIFAX
A subway pervert has been jailed for more than two years after he terrorised women using an underpass in Halifax town centre.During a four-week period in February and March, 27-year-old restaurant worker Fabrizio La Barbera exposed himself to a total of 10 women using the subway in the Pellon Lane area, and on two occasions his crimes escalated into sexual assaults.
On February 28 La Barbera, whose only previous conviction was a theft matter in his native Italy, was seen performing a sex act on himself by a woman using the subway at tea-time.
As she walked by, La Barbera grabbed her from behind before putting one hand on her bottom and the other between her legs.
Prosecutor Deborah Smithies told Bradford Crown Court that the victim screamed out for help, but there was no-one else around and she pushed the defendant away.
A week later, La Barbera grabbed hold of another lone female in similar circumstances, and his exposed penis made contact with the back of her coat.
The victim shouted at her attacker to get off and managed to pull away from him.
DNA belonging to La Barbera was recovered from her coat after forensic analysis.
Police investigations involved checking CCTV footage, and La Barbera was finally arrested in the subway on March 14.
He pleaded guilty in April to 10 charges of exposure and two allegations of sexual assault, and his case was adjourned for psychiatric and probation reports.
Victim impact statements described their shock and disgust, with one woman saying his behavior “turned her stomach,” and most said they would never use the subway again.
The court heard La Barbera committed offences in the morning and afternoon over four weeks.
Judge Colin Burn stated he had “terrorised” women and considered an immediate custodial sentence necessary.
He was jailed for 27 months and must adhere to a 10-year sexual harm prevention order banning him from using subways and underpasses without a reasonable excuse.
La Barbera also needs to register as a sex offender for the next 10 years.
